Simple Definition Of Irony In Literature
Irony is a subtle form of humour which involves saying things that you do not mean.
Simple definition of irony in literature. Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. Meaning pronunciation translations and examples you can get a certain insight into human nature from analysing the words that people look up in dictionaries. We ll define each of these three main types of irony and provide examples from plays short stories essays and poems. It s never been easier with visual examples student activities.
Irony definition the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning. In conversation people often use verbal irony to express humor affection or emotion by saying the opposite of what they mean to somebody who is expected to recognize the irony. Irony is a broad term that. Irony is often used for critical or humorous effect in literature music art and film or a lesson.
Irony is when you get the opposite of what you expect especially if the result is humorous or striking in some way dramatic irony however is slightly different. Here s a quick and simple definition. What is dramatic irony. If this seems like a loose definition don t worry it is.
The irony of her reply how nice when i said i had to work all weekend. Click to download 5 ready to use irony worksheets that are perfect to test student knowledge and understanding of what irony is. Irony definition what is irony. It s a large concept but irony can be broken down into three central categories.
It s when the audience knows something the characters don t so the characters might get an unexpected outcome but for the audience it s not unexpected at all. There are many forms of irony featured in literature. Relating to the common core ela common core standards for grades 9 12 ela literacy rl 9 10 4. Teach the 3 different types of irony dramatic situational verbal irony in your classroom.
Articulating a simple irony definition can be daunting. In shakespeare s romeo and juliet the audience reader knows that juliet has faked her death but romeo does not and he thinks she is really dead. The effectiveness of irony as a literary device depends on the. Irony is a figure of speech and one of the most widely known literary devices which is used to express a strong emotion or raise a point.
Examples of irony in literature.